Alfred "Uganda" Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts
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Roberts in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alfred Roberts, Jr. |
| Also known as | 'Uganda' |
| Born | April 8, 1943 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | May 5, 2020 (aged 77) |
| Genres | Afro-Calypso |
| Instruments | Congas/Percussion |
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts (born April 8, 1943 – died May 5, 2020) was an amazing American musician. He was known for playing the conga drums and other percussion instruments. He played with many famous artists from New Orleans, including the legendary Professor Longhair.
Contents
The Story of Uganda Roberts
Early Life and Music
Alfred Roberts grew up in the historic Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. From a young age, he loved Calypso music. He heard this music in clubs where sailors from the Caribbean would visit. This sparked his interest in rhythm and drums.
He started his music career as a teenager. He played bongos in clubs in the French Quarter. In his early 20s, he switched to playing the conga drums. This was encouraged by jazz drummer Smokey Johnson.
Becoming a Top Percussionist
Uganda Roberts became a very popular conga player in New Orleans. He started working with record producer Allen Toussaint. Toussaint was also his neighbor in Tremé. Roberts became a main percussionist at Toussaint's Sea Saint Studios. He played on many recordings there. These included songs like Afrika and Hey Pocky Way by The Meters. He also played on Toussaint's 1972 album, Life, Love, and Faith.
Playing with Professor Longhair
In 1972, Roberts met the famous New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair. They were introduced at the second annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Roberts then toured and recorded with Professor Longhair for eight years. This lasted until Professor Longhair passed away in 1980.
Roberts played on Professor Longhair's album Rock N Roll Gumbo (1977). This album also featured blues musicians Snooks Eaglin and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. He also played on Professor Longhair's last studio album, Crawfish Fiesta (1980). The album The London Concert (released in 1994) features only Professor Longhair and Roberts playing together.
Later Career and Performances
After Professor Longhair's death, Roberts toured with Willie Tee and the Wild Magnolias. He did this from 1980 to 1986. Then he took a break from music. However, he would sometimes come out of retirement to play. For example, he played on Dr. John’s albums Goin' Back to New Orleans (1992) and Dis, Dat, or D’udda (2004). He also recorded music with Irma Thomas and John Mooney.
In 2007, a young funk band called Groovesect invited Roberts to play with them. This happened at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. He later joined the band and played on their first album, On The Brim.
Roberts also performed at The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival. This was in Bloomington, Indiana, in both 2017 and 2018. He even appeared as himself on the TV show Treme.
